A Royal Purr-suit

Previously

…Bartholomew nodded, his eyes fixed on the door. He would not be a victim. He would not be manipulated. He would uncover the full extent of Seraphina’s depravity, and he would expose her for the viper she was. The shadows in the palace were deep, but Bartholomew was beginning to see the light, and it was the light of truth, a truth that Seraphina would no longer be able to obscure. He scooped the chest into his arms, its weight surprisingly comforting, a tangible symbol of the battle to come. As the heavy oak door creaked open, revealing the startled face of a palace guard, Bartholomew, the pampered housecat turned reluctant heir, stood ready. The game had changed.